BDP councillor to be sentenced today
Tsaone Basimanebotlhe | Monday June 19, 2023 13:04
He is currently in prison after he was found guilty. Modise allegedly indecently assaulted the complainant on or about February 15, 2022, in Old Naledi, Gaborone when he touched her body, in particular, her breasts and crotch area (private parts).
It is said that the complainant, who is a student, later told her teacher about the incident who then reported the matter to the police and subsequently told the complainant’s parents. It is alleged that the said incident happened while the student was alone at her grandmother’s home. It is said that on the day of the assault, the student had not gone to school on account of not feeling well.
During the trial, only the complainant and her teacher gave evidence before the court. Three more people gave evidence on the matter, including the complainant’s mother and grandmother. Modise had pleaded not guilty to the offence.
Gaborone City Council's (GCC) Mayor Austin Abraham told The Monitor on Saturday: “We are aware of the matter that one of the councillors is in prison but we cannot comment on it because it is a court issue.
I hope we will get a full report after court.” However, the BDP constitution's Article 14.2 says members must "adhere to an object, aim and party policy, and to behave in consonance therewith, and with dignity and propriety to propagate the good image of the party and not to embarrass the party by any misconduct". Last year, The Monitor published an article in which the BDP councillor for Medie-Kweneng ward, Edward Swanekani, landed in hot soup after he allegedly defiled a 17-year-old girl. Swanekani, 37, has already appeared before the Molepolole Magistrate's Court concerning the charge.